Winning at Home: Be present

Friday

Jan 3, 2014 at 6:32 AM

Dan Seaborn

I had a conversation with a friend of mine recently who called me to tell me that his daughter had been in a serious car accident. I arrived at the hospital to check on her and spend some time with him. As we were talking, he said, “You just never know what’s going to happen through the course of a day, do you?”He had spent a lot of time crying that day and reflecting a bit on his daughter’s life. And I can tell you, it’s in those moments that we are all reminded of the reality that tomorrow is not promised.Of course, nobody likes to think about that, but for many people who are reading this article, you understand exactly what it means. I believe that when we keep that live-for-today perspective, we keep our priorities in order. The things that can entice us or pull us away from what really matters seem to diminish. We are quicker to get focused on the things that are of importance and that matter.Of course, it’s easy to tell someone to think that way, but it’s a whole lot harder to maintain it.Author Brennan Manning wrote in his book “Ruthless Trust” that living in the present will keep us from endless and unproductive self-analysis. He goes on to say that children are a great example of living in the present. Even people who have been close to death or have lost a loved one unexpectedly find it challenging to keep that view forever. That feeling is more prevalent in the months that follow, but after a few years, it’s easy to revert back to the old philosophy of living where we allow yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s worries to plague us.That’s why I’m offering some suggestions to help you stay living in the present:• Whenever you feel nudged to do something, do it right then and there. You know that idea that pops into your head out of the blue. Don’t wait until you get the prod ten times, just do it the first time you feel it.• Wake up every day grateful to be alive. Choose peace and joy.• Don’t waste your energy on things you cannot change. You cannot change the way people drive, so don’t spend your breath yelling at drivers from your car. They can’t hear you and they don’t care, and it will only serve to raise your blood pressure.• Be spontaneous when you can. Leave room for some impromptu activities.• Tell your family that you love them every day. If you forget and think you’ll catch them later, think again. Just call, text or email them this sentiment.• Don’t go to bed or leave the house angry. You don’t have to solve the issue immediately, but find a compromise or calm yourself to the point where you can kiss good night or before you walk out the door.I hope it isn’t a car accident that draws you to think differently, but I do hope this little article reminds you that you are very blessed today if you can talk to your family. If you have a spouse that is still alive. Children that you can hug. If your parents are still around and you can tell them you love them.Celebrate whatever circumstances you find yourself in today. Be thankful for the many blessings that have come your way, and be present every day.— Dan Seaborn is the founder of the Zeeland-based group Winning at Home Inc. Email questions or comments to hometeam@winningathome.com.